NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris has announced he will not contest next year's state election and will step away from parliament.
Minister Harris will remain in his role and continue ministerial duties up until the election, set for March 2027.
The member for Wyong, on NSW's Central Coast, was made Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty Minister following Labor's election in 2023, having previously held the portfolio position in the shadow ministry since 2019.
He is also currently Minister for Gaming and Racing, Veterans, Medical Research and for the Central Coast.
The announcement of his decision came on Friday.
"Thank you to the people and community groups in Wyong area for your support and friendship," he wrote in a statement via Facebook.
"Whilst we may not have agreed on everything or been frustrated by the speed of delivery, in the main people have always been respectful.
"I've tried to answer questions and my amazing staff have helped so many people, in so many different ways.
"Frankly, I mostly experienced the same emotions as everyone else, my family live in the area too. Some issues are just difficult and hard to solve. But we always had a go."
Minister Harris said it was the "right time" for him to step away.
He was first elected to NSW Parliament in 2007.
In a Government statement, the former school principal said public service "has been my life's defining commitment," highlighting successful local efforts, like the blocked privatisation of Wyong Hospital, alongside roads, infrastructure and other services.
Minister Harris vocally advocated for the Yes in the lead-up to the 2023 Voice referendum.
In recent years, NSW's path towards Treaty ambitions has slowed, though in August 2025 began a 12-month period of community consultations, led by a Treaty Commission, aimed at helping shape the efforts.
More to come.
